Description

Turkey Tetrazzini is a creamy, comforting casserole featuring tender shredded turkey, smoky turkey bacon, and melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) baked with pasta in a luscious sauce. This easy-to-make dish brings nostalgic warmth, perfect for cozy dinners any night and is quick to prepare with simple, versatile ingredients suited for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

8 oz cooked spaghetti or linguine
2 cups shredded cooked turkey
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasoning

1 1/2 cups heavy cream or plant-based cream substitute
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), divided
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons oil or butter (for sautéing)

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Cook your pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside. Slightly undercooking the pasta helps it absorb the sauce without turning mushy after baking.
Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat oil or butter and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and their liquid has evaporated, intensifying their flavor.
Cook Smoked Turkey Bacon and Shred Turkey: In the same pan or separately, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy but still pliable, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Shred your cooked turkey meat into small pieces suitable for mixing.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Add cream or plant-based cream to the skillet along with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Stir gently while heating until the sauce thickens slightly, then season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) until melted and smooth.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed mushrooms and onions, crispy smoked turkey bacon, shredded turkey, and the creamy sauce. Mix until all ingredients are well coated with the luscious sauce.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for a golden crust, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top.

Notes

Use day-old pasta to help the sauce cling better and maintain firm texture after baking.
Do not over-sauce; aim for a thick, silky consistency to avoid soupy casserole.
For extra texture, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs mixed with a little oil on top before baking.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
Choose good quality shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for excellent melting without clumping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Turkey Tetrazzini, creamy casserole, comfort food, turkey recipe, baked pasta, family dinner, easy weeknight meal